A man with two wives: Is it permissible for him to boycott one of them without reason and have intercourse with one while neglecting the other, given that both wives are young and live in the same house?

Al-'Uwaishah: A man is married and has two wives. Is it permissible for him to boycott one of them without reason and have intercourse with one while neglecting the other, given that both wives are young and live in the same house? Is it permissible for him to boycott one of them and have intercourse with one while neglecting the other without reason?

The Shaykh : Of course, each of the two wives needs to be protected by her husband. If he neglects one of them, whether she is the older or the newer wife, without having intercourse with her, that is undoubtedly something that exposes her to some form of harsh treatment. The matter may develop with her until she falls into immorality, and he would be the cause. This means that he is not being just between them. Just as justice is required in housing and clothing, it is obligatory for him to give each of them her right to satisfy her desire and passion. Otherwise, he is being unjust. And Allah knows best.